Retreats: A Time Set Apart

A retreat can be a time of refreshment and renewal—physically, mentally and spiritually. But what sets this experience apart from simply taking a vacation?

 

“At Kanuga, a Christian retreat is an opportunity to hear the gospel, and an opportunity to experience Christian community,” explained Harmony Johnson, communications director for Kanuga Conferences. “Every Kanuga-sponsored program provides daily helpings of the gospel, whether it is corporate worship, a lecture that aids in Christian formation, Bible study or time for personal meditation. Christian community happens naturally when people gather to share like interests, to focus on their relationships with friends and family or to focus on their relationship with God.”

 

Participating in a retreat, like taking up any spiritual practice, is a deeply personal experience. But those who facilitate retreats do receive feedback that helps them get an idea of some benefits that many participants receive from taking part.

 

“Most people feel being a participant in a retreat takes them away from their everyday worries and problems and allows them to think about their journey with God and Christ,” said Tom Eshelman, executive director of Valle Crucis Conference Center.  “It allows them to center themselves a bit. Maybe they will get a chance to catch their breath and feel God come into their lives again.

 

“Ours is such a hurried and secular world we tend to push Christ to the side. We find that people are waiting until the last minute to register for retreats as they wait to see what their lives are doing,” Mr. Eshelman said. “Taking a retreat at a place like Valle Crucis provides a place set apart, a neutral place where conversation—with others and with God—is encouraged. It is a place where folks can look internally and see where they are on their life journey. They can retreat, relax and reflect. Many retreat centers are in places of God's beauty and participants can walk and pray and talk with God.”

 

“Participants over the years have described a deepening of faith, a renewed spirit and energy, clarified purpose and direction and reconnection with loved ones,” said Ms. Johnson. “They talk about building relationships with the friends they meet here and about finding a safe, nurturing place where they can get to know God. A lot of people tell us that when they are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, Kanuga is a place where they find genuine rest and renewal, both spiritually and physically.”

 

Those who have never attended a retreat can take several steps to make their first experience comfortable and rewarding.

 

“In 2009, Kanuga is sponsoring 26 conferences or retreats and 11 guest periods, with a broad variety of topics, so a first-timer really can find a program that suits his or her interest,” Ms. Johnson said. “Participants receive a welcome packet tailored to their specific program that helps them prepare and lets them know what to expect. Our website also offers a lot of resources, including stories and photos from past events.”

 

“Each retreat is different in what it asks of its participants,” Mr. Eshelman noted. “Some retreat leaders want participants to read books relating to the subject matter prior to arrival. Most want people to bring their Bible, and we also have Bibles available for participants to use.

 

“I think coming with an open mind is the most important thing on coming to a retreat,” he added. “You may find something you were not looking for when you arrived. You may find a new way to look at things that startles you and fills you with the Holy Spirit.”